Comparing device



I Dec. 12, 1939. s, FLEMlNG 2,183,095

COMPARING DEVICE Filed June 6, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 12, 1939. s.H. FLEMING 2,183,095

COMPARING DEVICE Filed June 6, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 20 a f /6 JZUZZZ'. 8 /9 /7 f /5 20 4 [III/4 111 1,,

Patented Dec. 12, 1939 UNITED S -s I MW PATENT OFFICE,

GOMIARINGDEVICE Samuel H. Fleming, Washington, D. 0. Application June 6,1938, Serial No. 212,116 20 clai s. (01. 281-1) This invention relatesto a device which in use will assist an individual in his comparison ofsimilar reading matter carried by two sheets of paper or the like todetermine whether the 5 reading matter on one sheet is in agreement withthat on theother sheet. This comparison in printing establishments isknown as proof reading.

For convenience, the expression reading matter will be used hereinafterand in the appended claims as a generic term to include compilations offigures, as well as compositions of words, and

to include matter which is printed, typewritten or written in longhandor shorthand. The word sheet will also be used hereinafter and in theappended claims in a broad sense to include a sheet of paper and allother forms of material which carry reading matter to be compared.

Proof reading in printing establishments, at

one time, was usually performed by two .individuals, one of whom readaloud from an original copy or manuscript, while the other one checked aprinted proof or printed copy of the manuscript contents. In printingparlance, a proof is a 2. trial copy made with type after it has beencomposed. Two individuals were used in the proof reading as experienceshows it is the most accu-v rate method for comparing reading matter.The tendency now with regard to proof read- 30. ing is to have a singleindividual do the work of the two individuals referred to above. Thecurrent general practice is to have one individual read both theoriginal manuscript and the printed proof and check the latter againstthe former. 35. This current practice is a severe strain on the readerseyes and often results in many errors. The eye strain is caused by thefrequent shifting of the readers eyes over a varying distance betweenthe original and proof copies. The errors 40 are generally due to thelack of a guide for di- I recting the eye to the properline of readingmatter to be read.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a device of thecharacter described which 45 is useful in those cases where thecomparing-of reading matter is to be accomplished bya single individual,which will substantially reduce the strain on the eye of the reader, andwhich will materially lessen the possibility of the readers 50 failingto detect errors in the reading matter being checked.

Another object of the invention is to provide a comparing device whichis relatively simple in construction, extremely easy to operate, and,in-

55 expensive to manufacture.

A further object is to provide a comparing device which may be used withsheets of various sizes.

A still further object is to provide a comparing device with a writingsupport for the sheetbeing 5. checked, whereby corrections may bereadily noted with a minimum interruption to the comparing operation. K

Another object is to provide a device of the character described forsupporting two. sheets 10. of reading matter and having means wherebythe sheets can be relatively shifted to properly position the lines ofreading matter which are to be read and compared at any one time, andwhere' by such lines during their comparison can be maintained in closeproximity to each other. 4

Other objects'will be evident from the following description, theappended claims, and the accompanying drawings which disclose andillustrate preferred embodiments of this invention. 20

In the drawings,

Figure I is a perspective view of a comparin device embodying thisinvention and shows the parts thereof in such positions that the twosheets to be compared may be readily inserted in the proper places.Parts of the device of Figure I are broken away for purposes ofillustration.

Figure II is a vertical, cross-sectional view taken on lines II--II ofFigure I.

Figure III is a transverse, vertical, cross-sectional view taken onlines lII-III of Figure II.

Figure IV is a side elevational view, on enlarged scale, of certaindetails shown in Figure I, the roller guide unit being shown in itsoperative position in Figure IV.

Figure V 'is a vertical cross-sectional view taken on line V-V of FigureI, the roller guide unit being shown, in Figure V, in its operativeposition, and two sheets to be compared being shown in their respectivecomparing positions. 40

Figure VI is a transverse cross-sectional view 1' taken on line VI--VIof Figure I.

Figure VII is a perspective View of another embodiment of thisinvention.

Figure VHI is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken on linesVIII-VIII of Figure VII.

Figure IX .is a perspective view of a detail of Figures VII and VIII.

Figure X is a detail view taken on line X-X of Figure VII.

Referring now to the drawings, the comparing device has a base I ofwood, metal, Bakelite or other suitable material. The upper or top sideof base I preferably has a smooth and highly polished surface to reducefriction to a 5;

when a sheet is shifted along the same. The base I at one end may have asupport 2 extending the entire width thereof. This support 2 may besecured to the base I as shown by Figure I in any suitable manner andmaintains the same at a desired angle to the horizontal when thecomparing device is placed on a flat table or the like. Each corner ofthe base I may be provided with a post 3, which is held in place byscrews or other suitable means. These posts 3 support the guide rods 4positioned adjacent the side edges of base I A support 5 for a proof orother sheet of reading matter to be checked is shiftably mounted on thebase i. This sheet support 5 has top and bottom members 6 and l whichare spaced apart by and suitably secured to four similar slide blocks 8.At each side 'of thesheet support 5 there are two slide blocks 8 whichare slidably supported on the respective rod 4. If desired, the sheetsupport 5 may be provided with strips 9 and I which are inserted betweenthe slide blocks 8 and at opposite sides of the respective rod 4 (seeFigures I and V). The strips 9 serve principally as finishing pieces andcontribute to the appearance of the comparing device. The strips IDtogether with the slide blocks 8 and the top and bottom members 6 and Iprovide a sheet-receiving passageway II.

The top and bottom members 6 and 1 may be formed of metal, wood,Bakelite or other suitable material, and preferably have their upper andlower surfaces smooth and highly polished, so that a sheet in contacttherewith will readily slide along the same with a minimum ofresistance.

To avoid lateral movement of the sheet support during use, it may beprovided with blocks l2 having tongues slidably disposed in grooves [3.These grooves 13 may extend between the posts 3 and below the rods 4 asshown in Figures I and VI.

The top member 6 at opposite sides thereof carries spacing pieces M, towhich are secured the ears [5 of a curved guide I6. This curved guide Itis preferably so mounted that its upper edge I l is spaced from andabove the upper side of top member 6 to provide a slot l8. Thecrosssectional shape of the guide l6 preferably is such that it curvesaround the end of top member 6 and-into the passageway l I (see FigureV).

A guide bar [9 is adjustably supported at its opposite ends by bracketarms 28 secured in any suitable manner to the spacing pieces l4. Eachbracket arm 29 is provided with a slot 2! opening into a groove 22 (seeFigure IV) of greater width. Each end of the guide bar I9 may be securedto the respective bracket arm by two rivets 23, which extend through therespective slot 2| and have their lower heads slidably disposed in therespective groove 22. These rivets 23 and slots 2| permit the guide barI9 to be readily adjusted along the bracket arm 20 and toward or awayfrom the curved guide 46. The heads of the rivets 23 are also preferablyso up set that the guide bar 59 will frictionally engage the bracketarms 20 and be maintained in any desired position of adjustment.

A roller guide unit 28 is also slidably mounted on the rods 4. Thisroller unit 3!] comprises a roller 3| having its ends journalled insupporting blocks 32 slidably disposed on the rods 4. A bar 33, havingits end portions rigidly connected in suitable manner to the blocks 32,maintains the latter inalignment across the base I as the bar 33, roller3| and supporting blocks 32 move as a unit on rods 4 and lengthwise ofthe base I.

The sheet support 5 and roller unit are adapted to be automaticallylatched together when either one is moved toward the other. For thispurpose, a spring latch 35 may be suitably secured to each slide block 8adjacent the bracket arms 20. The spring latches 35 are so arranged thatas the sheet support 5 and the roller unit 39 are brought together, theroller unit supporting blocks 32 engage the cam faces 36 (see Figure V)of the latches 35, force the latter apart and pass the latch heads 37.As soon as the blocks 32 contact the adjacent edge of bottom member I,the latch heads 3? spring into latching position behind the blocks 32(see Figures IV and V). The roller unit 38 will now move with the sheetsupport 5 as the latter is shifted along the rods 4. The roller unit 30may be readily released, when desired, by manually pressing the latchheads 3'1 aside while the roller unit 30 is shifted from the full lineto the dotted line position of Figure IV.

The comparing device also has a clamp 39 to secure a sheet of readingmatter adjacent the upper end of the base I. This clamp 39 has bottomand side walls 4! and 42, which may be of integral construction, and endplates 03 and 44. These end plates 33 and 44 have inwardly extendingflanges or clamping abutments 45 and 46. A clamping bar 4!] is normallymaintained in engagement with these flanges :25 and 46 by coil springsfill. A partition element 48 may be providedto cooperate with the bottomand side wallsM and 42, and the end plate 42 in retaining the spring 41at the left of Figure II in the desired position. A partition element 49may be provided adjacent the other spring 47 for a similar purpose. Theclamping bar 20 is preferably of a width corresponding substantially tothe distance between walls 4| and 132, and of. a length to extendthrough the slot 59 in the end plate 44 and beyond the latter to providean operating handle or arm 38. Downward movement of this handle 38 fromthe full line position of Figure II results in pivotal movement of theclamping bar about its inner end which preferably engages both the plate43 and the flange 55 for that purpose. When a sheet is to be placed inthe clamp 39, the handle 38 is depressed to swing the clamping bar 40from the full line to the dotted line position of Figure II. The sheetis then placed with its opposite side edges below the flanges and 46.Upon release of the clamping bar 40, it will return to the full lineposition of Figure II under the influence of springs 47 and cooperatewith flanges 45 and A6 to grip said opposite edges of the insertedsheet. According to the preferred construction of the clamp 39, theclamping bar 49, with only a slight downward movement of the handle 38,will be shifted sufficiently away from the inner edges of flanges 45 and45 to permit the insertion or withdrawal of a sheet. The partitions 58and 49 preferably have such height that they allow for adequate pivotalmovement of the clamping bar 40 during its operation.

If desired, the clamping device 39 may be adjustably mounted on the basei This adjustable feature may be obtained by means of a spring metalplate 5! secured by a screw, or in other suitable manner, to the bottomwall 4| and disposed within a groove 52. This groove 52 has undercutsides, as shown in Figure II, and extends preferably along'thelongitudinal center of the base 'I. Thesp-ring plate 5| and the sides ofgroove 52 cooperate to yieldingly maintain. the clamp 39 in engagementwith base i in any position of adjustment and atthe sametime perimitmanual shifting of the clamp 39 lengthwise of the base I.when'adjustment is desired. The groove 52 may be. formed in a metallicbare53 set into the base I, as shown in the drawings, or may be formedin the base itself. Where the bar 53' is provided, it is preferable thatthe bar 53 and the base I present flush upper surfaces to avoidprojecting obstructions which might interand 46. For sheets of odd ordifferent width, I

provide a third abutment 44' located approximately at the center of the.clamp 39. This abutment 44- is supported by a depending leg 45 which issecured to the rear clamp sidewall 42, that is, the one at the right inFigure III. The

abutment 44 overlies at least a portion of the clamping bar 48 so thatthe two may cooperate to grip theupper edge of a sheet inserted belowthe abutment 44. The handle 38 is operated in the same manner asdescribed above, if the abutment M, instead of the abutments 5 and 46,is to cooperate with clamping bar 48 to grip an inserted sheet. In theevent the inserted sheet is to be .securedbeneath the abutments t5 and46, the sheet may overlie the abutment 45. If the width of the sheet isgreater than the length of the clamp 39, such sheet may be grippedbetween the abutment 44 and the clamping bar 40 and extend over theabutments 45 and 46.

Operation of first embodiment the sheet support 5 as shown in Figure I.The

preferred position for the rollerunit 36 at this timewould be adjacentthe clamp 39. A sheet,

such as the copy of a printing establishment, is

then secured adjacent itsupper edge in the clamp 39. If the copy is of acertain size, it may have its opposite side edges gripped between theabutments 45'and 46 and the clamping bar '45. In other cases, the copymay have its end edge gripped between abutment 44. and clamping bar 40.

The remainder of the copy sheet is passed over the top of roller unit30, under a roller 55 rotatably mounted in two of the blocks !2, andbelow sheet support 5.' The sheet support 5 is next shifted toward andinto engagement with the roller unit 38. During this shifting move ment,the sheet support 5 and the roller unit 353 will be automaticallylatched together as shown in Figures IV and V. The copy-sheet 56 is nowin the position illustrated by Figure V, and its reading matter may bescanned through the space between guide I6 and bar l9. To furtherfacilitate this scanning, the roller 3| is preferably supported asillustrated in Figure V. It will be noted that the roller 3! positionsthe copy sheet 55 in close proximity to guide bar l9 and in the plane ofbracket arms 20. The roller 3B is also preferably arranged closelyadjacent to the curvedguide I6. The guide bar 19, ac-

under the edge.

copy 55.

'position that only a single line of reading matter may be completely inview at any one time throughthe space between bar l9 and guide It. Theproof or sheet of reading matter 51 (see Figure V) to be compared withcopy 56 is placed on the top of sheet support 5 and shifted towardcurved guide [6 until the upper edge of the proof 5'! passes'into sloti8 and the top or first line of the proof 5'! is closely adjacent andabout to pass With the proof 5'! in this position of adjustment, the eyeof the reader will be guided by the edge II as the top line of the'proof5? is. scanned.

The sheet support 5 may now be shifted in the direction away from clamp39. Due to this movement of sheet sup-port 5, the copy 55, since it issecured at its upper portion toclamp 39, is fed around roller 55, overroller 3| and under guide bar H9. The movement of sheet support5 may bediscontinued when the top line of the copy 58 is in view between theroller 36 and guide bar I9. The guide bar [9 now assists the reader inviewing the line of reading matter of the copy to be scanned in the samemanner as the edge ll aids the reader in reading the proof 51.

For purposes of describing this invention the proof 5'! is assumed to bea line for line reproduction of copy 56, and the comparing operation isassumed to begin by comparing the first line of the proof 5'! with. thefirst line of copy 56. It will be readily understood, however, that thecomparing device ofthis invention is for general use in comparingoperations and is not limited in use to any particular type of comparingoperation.

The close proximity of the first line of the copy 56 and the first lineof the proof 5?, as well as the guide bar It and guide edge ll, will aidthe eye of the operator in quickly and accurately reading these linesbeing compared. The eye will have only a short distanceto travel inpassing from the copy 55 to the proof 5! and back to the It is also tobe noted that the guide edge H and the guide bar 99 will always be inposition to assist the reader in scanning the proper line of therespective sheet. This arrangement reduces eye strain and aids insecuring greater accuracy during checking operations;

After the first line of the proof 5? is checked against the first lineof copy 56, the sheet support 5 is shifted away from the clamp 39 asumcient distance to bring the next adjacent line of copy 56 into viewbetween the bar 19 and the guide 16. This shifting movement maybereadily accomplished by the left hand of the operator at the same timeit is shifting proof 5i to bring the second line'thereof in readingposition closely adjacent edge ll. The second lines of the copy 58 andproof 5'! may now be compared. This shifting of sheet support 5 andproof 51 I is repeated after each line of theproof 57 is checked and maybe so quickly performed that there need be no appreciable interruptionin the reading by the operator as the checking progresses along the copy55 and the proof 5?.

The comparing device of this invention is relatively simple and easy tooperate. These features enable the operator to keep his writing handfree to hold a pencil or pen and to make corrections directly on theproof 5'! during and without interruption to the comparing operation.Furthermore, the relatively large upper surface of the sheet support 5facilitates the making of notes on the'proof 51 during the comparingoperation.

If the copy 56 is of such length that all of its reading matter does notcome into view between the guide bar I9 and curved guide 16 duringmovement of the sheet support 5 to the lower end of board I, the sheetsupport 5 may be returned to the other or upper end of the board I andthe copy adjusted to a new position in clamp 39. The comparing operationmay now be continued to complete the checking of the proof 5'! in thesame manner as described above.

As the successive lines of the proof 5? are read, the proof 5'! isprogressively shifted into the slot l8 and guided into passageway H bythe curved guide It. For this purpose, the guide [6 preferably has suchcurvature in cross-section as will offer the least resistance toadvancement of the proof into slot [8, and at the same time willproperly guide the paper into passageway II. It will also be noted thatthis passageway H is designed to avoid interference with the desiredshifting movement of the proof 5'! as well as interference between thecopy 56 and proof 5?.

The second embodiment A second embodiment of this invention isillustrated by Figures V11 through X. As in the previously describedembodiment, the comparing device has a base 68, posts 6! and guide rods62. These guide rods 62 slidably support the blocks 64, on which acarriage 63 is mounted. A writing or sheet support 65 is mounted on thiscarriage 63. Two strips 66 may be secured to the underside of the sheetsupport 65 and received within the slots 61 provided in the carriage 53.The slots 67 are of greater length than the strips 66 to permit thesheet support 65 to be shifted or adjusted across the base 60. Thestrips 66, however, provide such connection between the carriage 63 andthe sheet support 65 that they move together when either is shiftedlengthwise of the base 60.

1e sheet support 65 is also provided at one end with paper guide meanswhich also guide the readers eyes in the comparing operation. Thesemeans comprise curved guides 68 and 69 which extend from opposite sidesof a slot 80. The curved guides 68 and 69 may be formed from a singleplate of sheet metal by any suitable stamping, bending and shapingoperation, the sheet metal being also cut to provide the slot 86. A barH3 which constitutes a line guide for reading, has a flange ll welded orotherwise secured to the curved guide 68.

A sheet or copy holder is mounted on the base 60 and preferably adjacentthe top edge thereof. This copy holder comprises a bar 'li havingupstanding pins 12 on which copy may be temporarily impaled. Toadjustably secure the copy holder to the base 6!], the bar H has a slot73, T-shaped in cross-section, to slidably receive a guide strip M. Thisguide strip i l which may be formed of spring metal or other suitablematerial, has its longitudinal center portion secured, as by means ofscrews, to the base 60 and its side portions extending into the oppositerecesses of the slot 53 in bar H. The strip M by its engagement withinslot 13 yieldingly maintain the bar ll in any desired position ofadjustment and also permits manual shifting of the bar ll lengthwise ofthe base 60 as well as tilting of the bar in a plane parallel to that ofthe base 66 to suitably position copy or other sheet material held bythe pins 12.

Operation of second embodiment A sheet of copy matter or manuscript isimpaled on the pins 12 of the bar 'H, which preferablyis initiallypositioned adjacent the top edge of the base 60. The lower part of thecopy is passed below the line and curved guides 10, 68 and 69 and liesfiat on the base 60. The proof or sheet to be compared is arranged onsheet support 65 and shifted through slot 80 until the top line of theproof is about to pass into the slot 80. The top edge of the slot 80will now assist the readers eyes in their scanning of the top line ofthe proof. The sheet support 65 and its carriage 63 are also shiftedtoward the copy holder pins 12 until the lower edge of the bar is justbelow the top line of the copy. Comparing of the top lines of the proofand copy may now be accomplished with comparative ease, as these linesare closely adjacent to each other as well as to edges which direct thereaders eyes to the proper lines to be read. After each line of readingmatter is checked, the sheet support 65 is shifted away from the pins'12 to bring a new line of reading matter of the copy into readingposition adjacent the lower edge of bar 10. The proof on sheet support55 is also shifted toward slot 86 until the first line of reading matterhas.

passed therethrough and the second line is about to enter the slot 80.The second lines of the proof and copy may now be conveniently compared.This shifting of the sheet support 65 and the proof thereon continuesuntil checking of the The curved guide 69 serves to deflect theprooftowards the base 69 after the proof passes the curved guide 68,

Lateral adjustment of the sheet support 65 relative to its carriage 63is desirable when the proof impaled on pins 12 contains a plurality ofcolumns of reading matter and only one column at the time is to bechecked against the proof. The guide strip 14 might also be extendedbeyond the top edge of base 55, so that the copy holder bar H and pins?2 may accommodate copy of greater length.

Itis also to be understood that the copy holder means ll through M maybe used with the comparing device of Figures I through VI and that theclamp 39 may be used with the comparing device of Figures VII through X.

The foregoing is only illustrative, and it will be understood that thisinvention includes all embodiments and modifications coming within thescope of the appended clams.

I claim:

1. In a device of the character described for comparing reading matteron separate sheets, the combination comprising a substantially flatrectangular base, holding means adjacent the top end of said base forone of said sheets, a rod arranged adjacent and along each side of saidbase, means slidably mounted on said rods and including a substantiallyflat surface to provide a writing support for the other sheet, saidslidably mounted means being shiftable toward said holding means andover said first sheet to prepare the device for a comparing operationand away from holding means in a comparing operation, means providingadjacent the top end of said slidably mounted means a guide edge toassist reading of the matter on said second sheet of material and aguide for leading said second sheet to a position below said writingsurface as said second sheet is shifted over said Writing support tobring successive portions thereof into reading positionadjacent saidguide edge, and means associated and movable with the top end of saidslidably mounted means and providing a guide toassist reading of saidfirst sheet. I

2. In a device of the character described, paper clamping meanscomprising an elongated body portion having side and bottom walls, anabutment adjacent each end of said body portion and extending betweenthe side walls thereof, a bar extending along and between said sidewalls and below said 'abutments with one end of the bar extending beyondan end of said body portion to provide anoper'ating arm, and springmeans interposed between said bar and said bottom wall, whereby a sheetof material may have opposite edge portions thereof interposed betweensaid abutments and said bar upon operation of said arm and clampedtherebetween upon release of said arm; I

3."In a device of the character described, a base, a carriage mountedfor adjustment lengthwise thereof, a sheet and writing support mountedon said carriage for adjustment laterally thereof, sheet and readingguide means adjacent the upper end of the sheet and writing support,andpaper holding means adjacent the upper end of said base. v

4. In a comparing device of the character described, a base over which asheet of reading matter may be placed, means for securing at leastaportion of said'sheet to said base, means including a writing supportfor a second sheet and a reading guide edge, said support and guidemeans being slidably mounted on said base for moving said edge down saidfirst sheet, and sheet guide means adjacent said reading guide edge,said sheet guide means being so arranged and designed as to receive thenear edge of said second sheet a s the latter is shifted toward saidsheet guide means, to reverse the direction of movement of said secondsheet, and to lead said second sheet to an out-of-the-way position belowsaid support as the shifting of said second sheet is continued. 1

5. In a device of the character described, a base on which a sheet is tobe supported, a carriage mounted for adjustment lengthwise thereof,means on said carriage to provide a writing support for a second sheet,and reading guide means for both of said sheets, said reading guidemeans being movable with said carriage and arranged adjacent the top endof said writing support.

6. In a device for receiving and supporting two sheets of material to becompared line by line, the combination comprising a base to which one ofsaid sheets is to be secured, and a carriage shiftable over said baseand away from the top edge of said sheet as the lines thereon are readin succession, said carriage having at the top end thereof a readingguide so arranged as to be closely adjacent each of said lines as it isread, said carriage also having a substantially fiat surface forreceiving the other of said sheets in writing position and a secondreading guide adjacent said carriage top end, said second sheet beingfreely slidable on said surface for bringing each of the lines on saidsheet closely adjacent said second reading guide as it is read.

7. A device as defined in claim 6, in which the carriage and base arerelatively arranged to provide space therebetween for said first sheet,and

said carriage moves over said first sheet to uncover the lines thereonin the normal order for reading. 'I

8. A device as defined in claim 6 in which the carriage includesapassageway, and means for guiding the upper portion of said second sheetinto-said passageway as the lower portion is shifted on saidsubstantially fiat surface and toward said second reading guide. I

9. Adevice'as defined in claim 6,in which the base has sheet securingmeans adjacent the-top end thereof, a roller unit is slidably mounted onsaid base for movement between said securing means and said' carriage,and means are pro-' vided for automatically latching said roller unit tosaid carriage as they are relatively shifted into engagement with eachother, the roller of said unit when the latter is in the latchedposition being adapted to support said first sheet in po-- sitionclosely adjacent said first reading guide.

10. A device as defined in claim 6, in whichsaid second reading guide isspaced from said-i substantially flat'surface to provide an opening forreceiving said sheet as it shifted toward said second reading guide, andmeans is provided for reversing the direction of said second sheet afterpassing said opening and guiding the said second sheet to a positionbelow said substantially flat surface. i

11. A device as defined in claim 6, in which the first readingguide isadjustably mounted to provide one side of an opening through which saidfirst sheet may be viewed in the comparing operation, and a roller forsupporting said first sheet is arranged adjacent said opening.

12. A device of the character described comprising a base to support asheet, a carriage mounted on said base and movable toward the lower endthereof to expose successive portions of said sheet beginning with theupper portion thereof, said carriage providing the sole support for asecond sheet and having an upper writing surface on which said secondsheet is initially positioned, and guide means mounted on said carriageadjacent its top end, said guide means being constructed and arranged toreceive the top edge of said second sheet as'said second sheet isshifted on said writing surface toward said guide means and to guidesaid second sheet edge to a position below said writing surface.

13. A comparing device of the character described comprising:a base onwhich a sheet of reading matter may be placed; means adjacent the upperend of said base for securing a portion of said sheet thereto; meansslidable over said base and first sheet and relative to said securingmeans, and providing a writing support for a second sheet; reading lineguides for said respective sheets, said guides being carried by saidslidable means adjacent the top end thereof, a sheet receivingpassageway below said Writing surface, and a guide element mounted onsaid slidable means adjacent said reading line guides for engaging saidsecond sheet as it passes the respective line guide and directing thesame into said passageway.

14. A comparing device as defined in claim 13, in which a roller unit ismounted on said base for movement between said slidable means andsecuring means, and flexible latch means are provided on said slidablemeans to secure said roller unit thereto for movement therewith oversaid base, said roller unit being separable from said slidable means topermit an intermediate portion of said first sheet to be placed oversaid roller unit with a lower portion of the first sheet extendingbeneath'said slidable means, said roller unit being adapted to be thenlatched to said slidable means to support an engaged portion of saidfirst sheet in reading position relative to its respective line guide.

15. A comparing device as defined in claim 13 wherein the reading lineguides are adjustable relative to each other.

6. A comparing device as defined in claim 13 wherein the sheet securingmeans is adjustably secured to said base for movement therealong.

17. A comparing device as defined in claim 13 wherein the sheet securingmeans comprises laterally spaced, inwardly extending abutments underwhich opposite edge portions of the first sheet may be placed, and aspring pressed bar underlying and extending between said abutments forclamping said first sheet thereto, said bar having one end extendinglaterally of the sheet securing means for manual operation whereby thebar may be pivotally swung about its other end to permit insertion orWithdrawal of said first sheet from said sheet securing means.

18. A comparing device of the character described comprising a base onwhich a sheet of reading matter is to be placed, means for securing atleast a portion of said sheet to said base, means slidable over saidbase and providing a writing support for a second sheet of paper, tworeading uide means mounted on said slidable means adjacent the top endthereof and adapted to overlie respectively said first and second sheetsin the comparing operation, a roller unit slidably mounted on said'baseand between the top ends of said base and slidable means, and means forlatching said roller unit to said slidable means whereby they will movetogether during shifting of said slidable means, said roller unit beingseparable from said slidable means to permit said first sheet to beplaced partly over said roller and partly between said slidable meansand base, said roller unit when latched to said slidable means with saidfirst sheet in place supporting an engaged portion thereof in readingposition relative to the respective reading guide means.

19. For use in a comparing device of the character described, paperclamping means comprising a body portion, inwardly extending clampingabutments carried by said body portion, a clamping bar extending underand between said clamping abutments and projecting from said bodyportion to provide an operating handle, and means urging said clampingbar into engagement with said abutments and providing pivotal movementof said clamping bar about the inner end thereof during movement of thebar end forming said operating handle.

20. Paper clamping means as defined in claim 19 wherein a third clampingabutment is carried by said body portion and intermediate said inwardlyextending abutments, said third abutment having a supporting portionextending downwardly at the side of said clamping bar and a flange.portion overlying and engaging said clamping bar in its idle position.

SAMUEL H. FLEMING.

